10 tips for a healthier holiday season

A mother captures her baby with Santa Claus during a photo session on December 16, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

It should be the happiest time of the year. Instead of getting frazzled, gaining 10 pounds and feeling blue, there's a lot you can do to help make it a healthy, wonderful season for others and for yourself. Here are some tips to inspire you.

Nurture your spirit

Go to your church, synagogue, temple or other favorite place of worship during non-prime times, as well as attending the busiest holiday celebrations. And plan your own quiet times for spiritual rejuvenation. Meditate, pray, light a candle, write or say a daily affirmation.

Organize

Santa had the right idea about making a list and checking it twice. Before things get too hectic, sit down and plan your gift list. Make or update your holiday card list, if you have one. List parties and holiday visits and things you'll need for each. If you're going out of town, make and confirm airline or other travel arrangements, or if it's due, take your car in for an oil change and checkup.

Minimize

Now that you've made your lists, see what you can eliminate from each. If the time seems right, contact those on your gift list who might agree it's time to exchange greetings rather than gifts this year (you may be surprised how many feel the same way and are relieved and grateful you've suggested it). Consider checks, gift cards or donations in the recipient's name. Send cards only to out-of-town loved ones and offer in-person greetings to locals. Consider a switch to e-mails and e-cards. Have cards do double duty to send holiday invitations of your own or accept or send regrets to invitations from others.

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Exercise

Walk around your neighborhood or the mall and enjoy the holiday decorations. Give a friend or relative an early gift of a gym membership or series of exercise or yoga classes and make a date to join for a few sessions to establish new habits during the holidays. Follow up with a healthy breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Eat right

Don't skip breakfast or show up at parties famished and prone to binges. Pick one indulgent treat at a buffet, then load up on veggies and less caloric treats. Limit alcohol consumption and choose sparkling water or herbal teas instead of, or between, calorie-laden beverages.

Support groups

If you're a recovering addict, or in therapy for mental or physical illness, PTSD, or grief or anger management, this is definitely not the time to skip meetings, therapy sessions or doctor's appointments. If you're not in a support group, but think you should be, join up now. It could be the best holiday gift you ever give yourself and those who care about you.

Give

“When you most feel like giving out, give outward,” Tenny Hale said, and it's good advice on many levels for the holiday season, when so many suffer from blues and depression. Clean out your closets and contribute usable goods to your favorite charity. (Get receipts for tax purposes). Volunteer to help at local organizations. Reach out to others who may be feeling sad and lonely.

Plan healthy treats

Research healthier versions of your holiday favorites and share at parties and office gatherings. Pack salads for two and invite a friend or coworker for lunch at a nearby park. Buy yourself a new workout outfit, shoes or exercise equipment. Join or form a caroling group and spread some joy.

Forgive and give thanks

Count your blessings during this blessed season. If there are feuds or hard feelings among friends or family members, this could be a good time to reach out to heal and make peace. Start a gratitude journal and resolve to make a few entries every day for a year, even (especially) when you're most tired and stressed.

Have fun

This is a warm and wonderful season, full of uplifting music, pageantry, beautiful decorations and the spirit of love, generosity and kindness. Even if you're far from home and loved ones, there are public events, many of them free, to help you get in the spirit of the season. Visit luminaria displays, Christmas tree lightings, religious services, festivals and bazaars throughout the region. Show up, and you could be inspired and make some new friends.

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